The web camera is atop a nearby lifeguard tower. It has windshield wipers for bad weather and infrared capability to capture seals giving birth at night.

The $40,000 camera was donated by the Western Alliance for Nature, which will stream footage on its website. Volunteers will operate the camera remotely.

The seals moved into the former children’s swimming cove in the 1990s, sparking a long feud between their supporters and advocates of beach access. A rope barrier now separates areas for people and seals.